Combination lock for valises and the like



Nov. 14, 1961 v, GONZALEZ 3,008,321

COMBINATION LOCK FOR VALISES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 20, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Augusto Vega. Gonzalez Nov. 14, 1961' A. v. GONZALEZ 3 008,

CGMBINATION LOCK FOR VALISES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 20, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

- Aqgusto Vii a. Gonzo/e2 B 613M46 ATTOILNEBS United States Patent C) 3,008,321 I COMBINATION LOCK FOR VALISES AND THE LIKE Augusto Vaya Gonzalez, 715 Acoyte St., Buenos Aires, Argentina Filed Oct. 20, 1959, Ser. No. 847,639 3 Claims. (Cl. 70-74) The present invention covers a combination lock suitable for valises, grips, portmanteaus, ladies hand-bags, purses or similar articles, and is of the type which comprises a number of mobile parts combining to retain the insertion element (locking bar) and when placed in a certain pre-airanged position will release said insertion element (locking bar).

The locks which are usually used on valises, grips, po manteaus, ladies hand-bags, purses, etc. owing to their limited thickness have very simple mechanism which are very easy to force open using a wire, hairpin or steel implement, so that the security offered by these locks is purely relative.

Also, in security locks known up to the present and used on valises, grips, portmanteaus, ladies hand-bags, purses and similar articles, the locking device requires the use of a key to operate the same, with the corresponding inconvenience in use as it is necessary to have said key handyeach time the same is to be opened.

The object of the present invention is to ofler a combination lock suitable for valises, grips, 'portm-anteaus, ladies hand-bags, purses or similar articles, which is flat and does not require the use of keys or other loose pieces which are susceptible to loss and proflels better security than the common locks used up to date in these articles.

Another of the objects of this invention is to oifer a new combination lock suitable for valises, grips, portmanteaus, ladies hand-bags, purses or similar articles which by its simple construction can be manufactured at a reduced cost and be practically freefrom failure of its mechanism even when continued usage produces a slight wear in the numerous parts.

The new lock consists fundamentally of a flat body, provided in its central part with an axle on which are mounted, with freedom of rotation, various disks of different diameters, the perimetral borders projecting out of their plane in the same direction forming ring-shaped concentrical flanges, which display in a part of the circumference a zone of discontinuity that by confronting the same with those corresponding to the other disks of the mouth of the radial access to the body will permit the introduction of the insertion element (locking bar) which is provided with teeth orientated in the contrary direction to that of the flanges of the disks and with a separation between the teeth measuring the same as these.

This constructive disposition allows that once the insertion element (locking bar) has been introduced, the rotation given to one or several of the disks causes the looking of the perimetral flange of the same with the teeth of the insertion element (locking bar), preventing its further removal until it has been placed in the position of coincidence which composes the clue to the functioning of the lock. Of course it is necessary for every one of these disks to be operated from the external side of the body of the-lock, so as to allow the individual rotation and, atvthe same time, determine their interjacent position( Another feature of the invention consists in providing each one of the disks with an element of individual moveice shifted separately in the same body of the lock or adjacent-1y to the perimeter of the same.

The lock of the indicated characteristics can be made of metal, plastic material, or any other substance which can be worked by stamping, injection or casting, the cost of the same being very reduced as it does not require major precision in the elaboration of each one of its components, nor does it require individual mechanized work that could possibly raise the price of the product.

With an object to clearly outline the features of the invention, we will describe the same via some of the preferred methods or forms of manufacture, which have been illustrated on the attached drawings, in which FIG- URE 1 represents a perspective view of the parts which compose the mechanism of combination locks manufactur ed in accordance with the'present invention, the same are shown in their position of confrontment, before being mounted in the receptacle of the lock.

.FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the same parts already in position, which is in inverted position with relation to vthe real mounting of the mechanism, in the arrangement adapted to the opening and closure of the lock and the element of insertion (locking-bar) facing the body of the same.

FIGURE 3 corresponds to a view of the top part of the combination mechanism in the unlocked position with the insertion element (locking bar) lodged in its body.

FIGURE 4 is a similar view to the previous one but with the mechanism in one of the many possible lock positions.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic cross-section, made on the diamet-rical plane corresponding to the sliding axle of the insertion element (locking bar), indicating the relative position.

FIGURE 6 is an external view position, applied to a bag.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the different parts that make up a variation'of this invention, applicable to a ladys handbag or purse; the parts are shown facing each other before being assembled.

FIGURE 8 shows a diametral view of the security lock, assembled and applied to a purse, with the mechanism in the locked position.

FIGURE 9 represents a front view of the same lock, applied to a purse.

FIGURE 10 shows, finally a perspective view of the lock applied to a purse, showing the position of the element of insertion (locking bar) before the same is introduced into the body of the lock.

In the various drawings similar or equivalent parts have been marked with analogous numbers.

The body of the lock is formed by a cover 1 provided in its central part with an axle 2, that traverses a succession of concentric disks 3 through their respective central openings 4, and a base 5, the axle 2 being retained by a nut 6 applied in the internal part of the laminar element 7 which represents the valise or ladys hand-bag.

Each one of the disks 3 has its perimetral border 8 projected in a substantially normal direction to the plane of the disk forming a flange that, in its circumference Zone, shows a discontinuity 9. On the superior border 10 of said flange is fixed the terminal of a radial tongue 11 which projects over the cover 1 and ends in a fold 12 bending towards said cover 1.

The relative position between the opening 9 and the radial tongue 11in each disk 3 is different, and it gives the clue to the operation of the lock.

In the variations of the FIGURES 1 to 6, the cover 1 presents a perimetral border 13 projected towards the base 5, which is slightly separated from the same so as to form a groove which allows the passage of the tongues 11. At the same time the base 5 has on its contour a of the lock in closed 3 V series of references or marks 15 that could be letters of the alphabet or other symbols, their ob ect being that of facilitating the correct placing of the ends 12 of the tongues -11 to decide the homology between the grooves 9 and the respective flanges 8.

The cover -1 presents on its border 13 a notch 16 that forms the entry to the box for the insertion element (locking bar) 17 which is joined by a hinge 18 to the piece 19 that is secured to the top 20 of the valise. The insertion element (locking bar) 17 has a series of transversal cuts 21. on its external face which determine the formation of teeth 22, the distance between each tooth is equal to that existing between the flanges 8 of theadjacent disks 3.

As can be observed in FIGURE 5, the disks 3 are placed below the cover 1 with their respective flanges 8 directed towards the base in such a way that the tongues 11 pass in front of the borders '10 of theflanges 8 of the external disks to exit out of the groove 14 comprised between the cover 1 and the base'S.

' Taking each of the tongue ends 12 untilthey lie opposite the reference letters or symbols 15 that correspond to the clue of the lock one can obtain that the openings 9 in the flanges 8 of each one of the disks 3 remain in front of .the mouth 16 of access to the look, as can be observed in FIGURES 2 and 3. In this position the inserti'on element (locking bar) 17 can slide freely into the interior of the body of the lock, in a radial sense, until the grooves 21 of the same face the respective flanges 13; by turning each one of the disks 3, holding them by "the corresponding ends 12 the locking of the teeth 22' of the insertion element (locking bar) 17 with the flanges 8 of the disks 3 is achieved, thus the insertion element (locking bar) 17 is blocked thereby assuring that the valise is locked. I

To open the valise it is only necessary to move the ends 12 of the tongues ll-of the respective disks 3 to the key positions, producing once again the relation between the openings 9 and the entrance 16 which therefore allow the insertion element (locking bar) 1.7 to be withdrawn, the lid 20 of the valise now being freed.

In the variations of FIGURES'7 to 10, the cover 1 is formed by a single disk, while the flange 13 with the opening 16 has been'made in the contour of the base 5, the groove 14 remaining in the upper part of the body of the lock thus allowing the passage of the cranked ends 12 of the respective tongues 11. 'The base 5 is secured in a firm position to the wall 7 of the va-lise by a pair of rivets 23 which prevent the rotation of said base 5 on the axle 2.

The disks 3 in these variations have been manufactured by moulding and the openings 9 have been filed down at 24 so as to allow the introduction of the rounded ends any of thetvariations shown, and it can be manufactured with any number of disks 3 which permits a larger num ber of possible combinations, which of course implies a smaller possibility of the combination being identified.

I Wish to establish that the preceding description, as also the drawings attached, have been offered as a demonstration and not asa limitation so that any kind of modifications or innovations in shape, construction and detail may be made but they must not exceed the span of this invention which is clearly defined in the claims that follow.

What -I claim is: 7 1. A combination lock for locking the cover portion to the box portion of valises and the like, said lock comprising in combination with anelongated locking bar having one end connected to one of said portions, said locking bar having a plurality of spaced transverse notches formed upon one of the surfaces thereof; a flat base member, an axle having an end part extending through said base member, means connecting said end part of the axle and said base member to the other one of said portions, a cover member centrally mounted upon another end part of said axle and firmly connected therewith, an annular flange integral with one of said members and extending between said members, said flange having formed therein an opening for the passage of said locking bar, a plurality of concentric discs rotatably mounted upon said axle, a separate annular flange integral with each disc and having an opening formed therein for the passage of saidlocking bar, and a separate radial tongue oonnectedwith each disc and having an outer bent portion located outside of the flanges of said discs, the angular distance between a tongue and an opening of one disc being difierent from the angular distance between the tongue and the opening of any other disc, the spacing of the flanges of said discs corresponding to that of said notches, whereby said notches receive the flanges of said discs in the locked position of the locking bar, and indiciacarrying means" connected with one of said members for locating the positions of the bent portions of said tongues.

2. A combination lock for locking the cover portion to the box portion of. valises .and the like, said lock comprising in combination with an elongated locking bar having one end connected to one of said portions, said locking bar having a plurality of spaced transverse notches formed upon an upper surface thereof; a flat. base, an axle having an end extending through said base, means connecting said end of the axle and said base to the other one of said portions, a cover centrally mounted upon the other end of saidaxle and firmly connected therewith, an annular flange integral with said cover and extending betending between said cover and said base, an annular 25 of the insertion element (locking bar) 17. To compensate for the protuberance of the rivets 23 a thick rivet plate 26 has been placed under the disks 3 and to avoid the wearing away of these disks 3 the axle has a cylindrical zone 27 of a larger diameter that permits the free movement of the disks 3.

In this instance the flanges 8 of the disks 3 have been directed towards the cover 1 instead of. towards the-base 5 as wasthe case of. the previous variations. The, insertion element (locking bar) 17 in this case is established by a plate 28 which forms an integral part I with the cover 29 of the purse.

Inorder to identify the position of the ends 12 of the tongues 11 which corresponding to the clue of the lock, the cover 1 has a series of bulges 30 and wales31 of difierent colours and an ornament 32 of larger size which allows the determinationofi the position of'the cover 1 so. as to operate correctly the code of the lock.

In FIGURE 9' it. can be observed that the distance of the diverse ends 12 of the tongues 11 in relation to the rotating centers of the mechanism is dilferent so as to allow the freerotation .of the tongues 11. in any direction. Numerous innovations can be made on this lock, in

slot being formed between said base and said flange, said flange having formed therein an opening for the passage of said locking bar, a plurality of concentric disc rotatably mounted upon said axle, a separate annular flange integral with each disc and having an opening formed therein for the passage of said locking bar, and a separate radial tongueconnected with each disc and having a bent portion extending through said slot, the angular distance between a tongue and an opening of one disc being diflerent from the angular distance between the tongue and the opening of any other disc, the spacing of the flanges of said. discs corresponding to that of said notches, whereby said notches receive the flanges of said discs in the locked position ofthe locking bar,'theflanges of said discs being enclosed by the flange of said cover, said plate having an indicia-carrying portion extending outside of the flange of said cover for locating the positions of the bent portions of said tongues.

3. A combination lock for locking the cover portion to the box portion of valises and the like, said lock comprising in combination with anelongated locking bar having one end connected to one of said portions, said locking bar having a' plurality of spaced transverse notches formed upon a lower surface thereof, a plate base, an axle having a wide cylindrical part and a reduced pant extending through said base, means connecting the reduced part of said axle and said base to the other one of said portions, a cover centrally mounted upon the cylindrical part of said axis and firmly connected therewith, an annular flange integral with said base and extending between said cover and said base, said flange having formed therein an opening for the passage of said locking bar, a. plurality of concentric discs rotatably mounted upon the cylindrical part of said axis, another plate mounted upon the reduced part of said axis and supporting said discs, a separate annular flange integral with each disc and having an opening formed therein for the passage of said locking bar, and a separate radial tongue connected 15 with each disc and having an outer bent portion extending toward said cover, the angular distance between a tongue and an opening of one disc being difierent from the angular distance between the tongue and the open- U3 ing of any other disc, the spacing of the flanges of said discs corresponding to that of said notches, whereby said notches receive the flanges of said discs in the locked position of the locking bar, the flange of said cover being spaced fromthe flanges of said discs, whereby an annular space is formed between the flange of said cover and the flanges of said discs in which the bent portions of said radial tongues are located, and indicia carried by said cover for locating the positions of the bent portions of 10 said tongues.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 997,088 Prager July 4, 1911 1,148,526 Muscarella Aug. 3, 1915 1,313,536 Jay Aug. 19, 1919 FOREIGN PATENTS 37,807 Austria June 25, 190-9 

